The editor of The Inverness Courier, Jim Love, has died.

He had fought a five-month battle with cancer, after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.

He died on Thursday, a day after his 63rd birthday.

Jim had been editor of Scottish Provincial Press title The Inverness Courier since September 2001, having joined in 1988 as arts editor and also serving as news editor.

Prior to that he had spent more than 20 years at the Press and Journal as Highland news editor.

His first job in newspapers was with DC Thomson, where he worked in their Dundee and Perth offices.

Nick Hunter, editorial director of Scottish Provincial Press, said: “Jim Love was a journalist of the old school with the highest standards.

“During his long association with Scottish Provincial Press he rose through the ranks to become editor of the company’s flagship paper, The Inverness Courier, five years ago.

“Jim’s great passions in life were music, particularly Jazz, and gardening. But his great love was The Inverness Courier.

“He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him throughout the Highlands and beyond.”

Jim’s funeral will be held in Inverness on Wednesday.